A MOTION calling for free parking at council-owned car parks has been rejected by members of Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Proposed by Blackwood Independent councillor Kevin Etheridge, the motion sought to abolish the charges permanently. The current Labour group has promised to keep car parks free until at least September 2022.

Cllr Etheridge tabled the motion at a full council meeting on Tuesday, October 5, after a petition calling for parking fees to be abolished reached 440 signatures from residents and business owners.

Cllr Etheridge said he welcomed the council’s decision to extend free parking until September 2022, but he wanted fees to be abolished all together.

Plaid Cymru councillor Mike Davies and Labour councillor Gary Johnston said the council should be encouraging people to use public transport and offering free parking goes against this.

Cllr Etheridge argued that abolishing fees would benefit town centres as it would attract more visitors.

Previously Plaid Cymru councillor James Fussell has said the Twyn car park in Caerphilly town centre is usually full by 9am due to shop owners and workers parking there, leaving little room for visitors and shoppers.

Plaid Cymru proposed a limited free stay option for town centre car parks.

A Task and Finish Group, made up of councillors, is being established to focus on the issue of parking in the town centres.

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